Seattle Culture
Must List: April 11-17
Jim Gaffigan, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Sampha
By Seattle Mag April 11, 2024
Spring is officially here — the flannel sheets are packed away, and the sunglasses are back in action. As we welcome the warmer days, our community’s stories are blooming. There’s the flea market hiding the best Mexican food around, unexpected emotions at a middle school dance, and a drama unfolding around a historic Cornish College building up for sale, sparking hopes that McMenamins transforms it into our new favorite spot.
And this week don’t miss Jim Gaffigan turning everyday quirks into comedy gold, Seattle’s Cherry Blossom and Japanese Culture Festival, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler’s comedic genius, The Black Crowes on their comeback tour, and Sampha at The Showbox.
JIM GAFFIGAN
April 11-14
4:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m., The Paramount Theatre, $39.50
Known for his takes on everyday life, from fatherhood to his love for Hot Pockets, Jim Gaffigan’s earned seven Grammy nods, penned bestselling books, and even scored Emmys and platinum records. Get ready to laugh at normal, everyday things you never realized were so funny.
SEATTLE CHERRY BLOSSOM & JAPANESE CULTURAL FESTIVAL
April 12-14
11 a.m.-5 p.m., Seattle Center, Free
This is the first and oldest ethnic festival in the Festál series, held annually at Seattle Center. The festival highlights the friendship between Seattle and Japan, celebrating with cherry blossoms, Taiko drum performances, contemporary Japanese arts, traditional tea ceremonies, and more.
SAMPHA
Saturday, April 13
8:30 p.m., The Showbox, $36.50
From south London to global fame, Sampha creates era-defining tunes. Stars like Kendrick Lamar, Alicia Keys, and Drake seek him out as a top collaborator in the music scene. His strikingly beautiful voice elevates songs to new levels. Don’t miss seeing him live.
TINA FEY AND AMY POEHLER: RESTLESS LEG TOUR
Saturday, April 13
3 p.m.,6 p.m., WaMu Theater, $111.50
Two of comedy’s most beloved figures team up for an afternoon filled with laughs, clever quips, and those classically hilarious moments only they can deliver.
THE BLACK CROWES
Monday, April 15
8 p.m., McCaw Hall, $60+
They’re back. The Black Crowes are shaking off the drama with their Happiness Bastards Tour ‘24 and dropping their first new album in 15 years. They’re stripping down to basics with raw rhythm and blues, showcasing their legendary sound.
Visit our events calendar for more ideas.
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Must List: April 18-24
Earth Day, Fat Ham, and Bruce Hornsby
Catch Bruce Hornsby at Benaroya Hall, or hang out with nature at a state park on Earth Day. See Fat Ham, a funny take on Hamlet, or explore the impact of pop culture on our daily lives. And don’t miss 54 dancers moving as one in The Seasons’ Canon.
Must List: April 4-10
A breakdance showdown, Jo Koy, and the Boot Scootin' Boogie
Join bestselling author Brianna Madia for a chat about her latest memoir, catch comedian Jo Koy live, or see a thrilling breakdancing battle. Explore the unique perspectives of women at the Everett Film Festival, or head over to the Emerald City Hoedown for four days of country-western dancing.
Must List: March 28-April 3
Cosplay, Beetlejuice, and tulips
Catch Beetlejuice the musical, see NASA's first artist-in-residence Laurie Anderson, or wander through the tulip fields. Get your anime, gaming, and cosplay fix at Sakura-Con, and don't miss out on the live taping of a fun radio variety show.